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KeNHA closes section of Embu-Meru Highway after cracks emerge on bridge

A section of the Embu-Meru Highway.

By Mary Wambui | 30 Apr 2024

KeNHA urged motorists plying that route to use alternative routes for their safety.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has closed a section of the Embu-Meru Highway at the Mutunduri area near Ena for 24 hours.

In a statement, KeNHA urged motorists plying that route to use alternative routes for their safety.

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"This follows a heavy downpour that has undermined the drainage structure close to St Mary's Kiangima Girls High School. The authority cautions road users against any attempts to use this affected area of the road, during the closure period," KeNHA said in a statement.

In the interest of their safety, motorists have been advised to use the following alternative routes;

Those heading to Chuka and Meru from Embu to follow the Mutunduri-Kianjokoma-Runyenjes route.

Those heading to Embu from Meru and Chuka to use the Runyenjes-Kianjokoma-Mutunduri route.

Those heading to Kivwe and Ena from Embu to use Mutunduri-Kipugua or the Kipugua-Mutetu or Mutetu-Kivwe routes.

Those heading to Embu from Kivwe and Ena to use the Kivwe-Mutetu or Mutetu-Kipugua or Kipugua-Mutunduri routes.

Finally, those leaving Meru towards Embu to use the Ena-Kivwe-Muthatari-Embu route.

24-hour closure of Embu - Meru (A9) Road at Mutunduri near Ena pic.twitter.com/ZWMJ6tTkIK
— Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) (@KeNHAKenya) April 30, 2024

The authority earlier closed the Oletepesi-Magadi road due to flash floods in several sections of the road as a result of the heavy downpour.

"The authority cautions road users against any attempts to use this affected area in the interest of their safety," the authority said in a statement on Monday.

Also closed is the Mai Mahiu - Narok Road following Monday night's falling of heavy debris on a section of the road stretching over a kilometre.

KeNHA said the sudden siltation occurred at Suswa area, about 27 kilometres from Mai Mahiu town towards Narok.

"The contractor is currently on site clearing the siltation. This exercise will extend overnight. The closure will allow smooth clearance of the siltation and avoid incidents of vehicles getting stuck among other possible dangers," the authority added.

As a result, motorists plying the route have been asked to use alternative routes including the main Nairobi - Nakuru Highway as KeNHA works to ensure seamless connectivity.

The depositing of the debris on the road has been caused by the ongoing heavy rains that have caused landslides in parts of Maranga, flooding in multiple locations across the country, and the destruction of roads.